Forklifts are unstable by design. They have no springs and even four wheel counterweighted forklifts only have
three point suspension.

The two rear wheels are attached in the centre to the main body of the machine allowing the rear to hinge
sideways affecting the lateral (sideways) stability of the machine. All forklifts have a high centre of gravity
and a narrow wheel base which adds to their lateral
instability.

Forklifts have three point suspension formed from the front drive axle (a & b) and the steering axle point at the rear
of the base (c). Be aware of the factors listed below which can affect lateral instability:

• turning at speed
• driving over uneven surfaces
• an unevenly distributed load
• driving with a flat or under inflated tyre
• driving too fast
• travelling with the load raised
• braking too hard when turning
• side shift not centred
• lifting a load on one fork armdriving sideways across a slope
• dragging (snigging) a load sideways with a jib
• attachment.

The front wheels of forklifts act as a fulcrum with the forks on one side and the machine body on the other. If the weight at the fork ends is heavier than the counterweight it will cause the forklift will tip up (longitudinal instability).

Be aware of the factors listed below which can affect the forklift to tip (longitudinal instability):

• overloading
• severe braking
• incorrect use of the mast tilt (especially with the load carried at a higher level)
• load not positioned against the heel of the fork arms
• shifting the load centre forward
• dragging (snigging) a load in from the front with the jib attachment fitted
• lifting a load with a jib with the mast tilted forward
• picking up an over-width load
• fitting slipper forks
• driving with reach extended.

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Forklifts transport and stack materials. They are a short wheel based truck with a vertical mast.

There are two types, counterbalanced and noncounterbalanced forklift.

Counterbalanced Forklift
Counterbalanced Forklifts use the front wheel axle in the same way as the fulcrum of a lever. The load is counterbalanced on one side by the weight of the machine on the other side. All the weight behind the
point of balance acts as a counterweight.

A Counterbalanced Forklift:

Noncounterbalanced forklifts (Stock pickers)
In noncounterbalanced forklifts the centre of the load is behind the fulcrum point. They are known as ‘reach’
or ’straddle’ trucks. Commonly known as Stock pickers or Order pickers.

This type of forklift reaches out to deposit the load or straddles the stack for depositing the load. They should not carry loads unless the reach is retracted. They are used for particular load stacking functions and are more versatile than the counterbalanced type in warehouse locations.

A Non Counterbalanced Forklift:

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As part of your forklift training you will need to get to know your forklift.

Common part of a forklift you should know are:

• Overhead guard
• Mast / Upright
• Single acting hydraulic hoist rail
• Foot Guard
• Load Apron Guard
• Load Apron
• Forks
• Brakes
• Double Acting Hydraulic Tilt Ram
• Hoist Controls
• Motor
• Counterweight

All of these parts are list below on the diagram for you.

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This basic forklift training guide series gives  basic information necessary for the safe operation of a forklift truck and to pass the assessment for a forklift licence. The source of the information is a little dated and you should always ensure you are up to date by attending training from an RTO every 18mths to 2 years. That said, this series should give a common sense overview of what you need to operate a forklift safely.

Fork lift truck drivers must know:

• The capacity of their forklift
• The conditions of operating a fprklift in their workplace.
• The features of forklift.
• How to drive a forklift safely.
• Forklift prechecks.
• Forklift Maintenancechecks.
• Propert Forklift Parking procedure.

We will be addressing all of the above over the coming weeks.

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